Brave Namibia put up All Blacks fight

Justin Palmer
– 25 September 2015 03:00 AM

New Zealand's Julian Savea (centre) attempts to break through the Namibia defense during the Rugby World Cup match at the Olympic Stadium, London

Wingers Nehe Milner-Skudder and Julian Savea touched down twice each as Rugby World Cup holders New Zealand scored nine tries to defeat resilient Namibia who trudged off with their heads held high after a 58-14 defeat last night.

The All Blacks, fielding a much-changed side from the one that beat Argentina in their opening game on Sunday, duly chalked up their second Pool C win but it was far from the predicted rout at the Olympic stadium.

DISRUPT

Namibia, the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, did their best to disrupt the All Blacks' flow and the three penalties kicked by their flyhalf Theuns Kotze were cheered just as much as each New Zealand try.

The loudest roar of the night, however, was reserved for centre Johan Deysel when he powered his way through All Black defenders to score a try for Namibia five minutes into the second half.

New Zealand now head to Cardiff where they will play Georgia at the Millennium Stadium on October 2 before completing the pool phase against Tonga in Newcastle.